There’s a lot to be said for saying thanks. I know I’ve started keeping a gratitude journal on my personal blog, and since I’ve started I feel better, I sleep better, and I’m losing weight!
But some people have a hard time saying thank you even when they know they should. A lot of times it’s just that pesky ego getting in the way — we equate saying thanks with showing weakness on some level because by thanking someone for doing something for us, we perceive it as a weakness that we needed the help in the first place.
Even though you can acknowledge and write about how grateful you are in the privacy of your gratitude journal, sometimes it’s just not enough. You really do have to show that gratitude for the person responsible for it.
Just in case you have trouble saying the words, here’s a few more ways to express your feelings of gratitude…
Write a “Thank You” note.
Do you know how few people actually write anything by hand anymore? Taking time to pick out a nice thank you card and write a note inside it is a great way of showing your gratitude.
Give a “Thank You” gift.
A small gift as a token of your appreciation is another great expression of gratitude. It doesn’t have to be a big thing, a gift card for the bookstore or a favorite coffee shop is a great way to say thanks. Just slip the gift card in the thank you note for a double dose of gratefulness.
Return the Favor.
The gift of your time is one of the most personal expressions of gratitude there is. When someone does something for you, showing your appreciation by spending time with them lets you know how much you appreciate them (even when the actual words get stuck in your throat).
Share Your Gratitude Publicly.
Show your appreciation for someone by giving them your thanks in front of others.
And finally, suck it up and just say the words. Don’t stress about how you’re going to say it, just do it. A simple, heartfelt “Thank You” or “I appreciate you” will often be enough to let the other person know your feelings. Be genuine and smile you say it, and you’ll give both them and you a boost of good energy.
I know this post reads a bit like an etiquette lesson, but it really is important not to bottle up feelings of gratitude. They’re a lot like feelings of love that way — the more you express them and give them away, the better you feel about it!
Go ahead and try it! Use the comments section to share your expressions of gratitude with someone today. :)
No related posts.
Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.
Latest Comments